BIS Invites Comments on Draft Fourth Revision of Phenol (Carbolic Acid) Specification
Reference source : BIS
On October 22, 2026, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) issued a Wide Circulation Draft proposing the fourth revision of IS 538:2020, ‘Phenol (Carbolic Acid) – Specification’. The draft has been prepared by the Organic Chemicals, Alcohols and Allied Products Technical Committee (PCD 9) and invites comments and suggestions from stakeholders for further improvement. The deadline for submitting comments is December 21, 2026.
Background
Phenol, CAS 108-95-2 is primarily used to manufacture phenolic resins, Bakelite, laminates, plastics, chemical intermediates, pharmaceuticals, dyes and picric acid. Its derivatives are also used as antiseptics, germicides and disinfectants.
Scope
This standard prescribes the requirements, the methods of sampling and test for phenol (carbolic acid).
Key changes
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Grade B replaced with hydrated phenol.
-
Volumetric method added as an alternative for moisture determination.
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Dean–Stark method added as an alternative for moisture determination in hydrated phenol only.
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Marking revised in accordance with GHS guidelines.
Grades
The material shall be of two grades;
a) Grade A — pure phenol;
b) Grade B — hydrated phenol
Requirements
The draft specifies the following requirements for phenol,
|
Sr. No. |
Characteristic |
Requirement |
|
|
Grade A |
Grade B |
||
|
1. |
Crystallization point, °C, Min |
40.3 |
_ |
|
2. |
Moisture content, present by mass |
0.1, Max |
4 to 8 |
|
3. |
Residue on evaporation by mass, Max |
0.05 |
_ |
|
4. |
Purity (by GC), percent by mass |
99.8, Min |
92 to 96 |
|
5. |
Colour, Pt-Co |
- |
- |
Packing and Marking
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Packing: Amber or dark blue glass bottles with ground-glass stoppers, or as agreed between purchaser and supplier. Refer to IS 6270 for safety.
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Marking: Include material name and grade, manufacturer details, manufacturing date, mass, batch number and statutory information.
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Bulk Supplies: Provide an authorized test certificate with the required details and date of analysis.
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Safety Labels: “CORROSIVE AND TOXIC” and “PROTECT FROM LIGHT AND MOISTURE.”
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BIS Certification: Conforming products may bear the BIS Standard Mark as per applicable regulations.